Marinos Faces Long Lay Off

5 February 2003 10:29

By

Newport and Wales centre Andy Marinos is fighting to recover from deep vein thrombosis.
The 30-year-old has the life threatening condition and only early detection has stopped it from claiming his leg.
And now Marinos faces a race against time to recover for the World Cup in Australia this October.
"I'm hoping to be play at least a month and a half of the season and try and stake a claim to get into the World Cup squad, but time is not on my side," admitted Marinos.
Marinos had already been ruled out of this year's Six Nations campaign after suffering damaged ligaments in his foot earlier in the season.
And despite his confidence that he will eventually return to full fitness Marinos has admitted that his leg could never fully recover from the condition also known as, "economy class syndrome," due to its association with long-distance travel.
He said: "Once you've damaged an artery in the leg it's never going to be the same again.
"I had anticipated being back in the middle of March but this is obviously a massive set back."
Marinos first made his Wales debut against Ireland in last season's Six Nations championship and was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Principality.
But even if he does recover from DVT his hopes to travel to Australia could be skuppered due to the connections between the condition and air travel.
And a 60 hour round-trip to Australia for the World Cup is unlikely to be beneficial for Marinos' leg.
However, the South African born star is still positive that he will be able to travel
"I've got to be sensible and manage it correctly on any long haul flights, said Marinos. "I've been advised to take some form of blood thinner to help me out."

With applications now open for the next intake of WRU apprentices, a number of current trainees offer a glimpse of what their apprenticeship has done for them, including Kira Philpott who declares it has changed her life!

In an exciting development for Women's Regional Rugby, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru will join Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys for the upcoming season. WRU TV headed to Colwyn Bay to speak to one of its new recruits, Wales Women international Rachel Taylor.

Ysgol y Berwyn School club hub officer Euros Jones uses a unique Welsh-centric programme to encourage youngsters to the game with Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and George North just some of the heroes that the likes of eight-year-old Moli aspire to be.

As part of her role as a Lions Home Ambassador, WRU apprentice Kira Philpott, supported by her fellow apprentices, organised a Disability Rugby Lions Legacy festival at the WRU National Centre of Excellence.

Head coach Bernard Jackman and chief executive Stuart Davies, along with WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips, discuss the vision for the future of the Dragons where the aim is for the region to become a Welsh-centric production line of talent.

Wales head coach Jason Strange and Connor Edwards, on his debut, reflect on a tight match which saw a 25-24 victory secured at the death in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Tibilisi, Georgia. The win saw Wales secure seventh place in the tournament.

It started from their own try-line, and 100 metres later it ended with Ryan Conbeer diving over in the corner. He and instigator Owen Lane look back on the try that had everyone talking after Wales withstood the challenge of Italy in the World Rugby U20 Championship

Second row Sean Moore began the season playing for Division One club Mountain Ash and ended it playing for Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship. He tells us about his whirlwind rise to international rugby which will give hope to all club players who have missed out on regional rugby.

Captain Will Jones says this afternoon's clash in Tibilisi against Italy in the World Rugby U20 Championship is an ideal chance for Wales to redeem themselves after their disappointing defeat to Scotland earlier this week.

Ever wondered what it takes to feed a World Cup squad away from home? Nutritionist Chris Edwards talks us through the Wales U20 utrition plan in Tbilisi, Georgia which has kept the lads going throughout the World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.

Assistant coach Geraint Lewis admits Wales have found the World Rugby U20 Championship 'quite difficult' but he is confident they can finish the tournament, and season, off on a winning note against Italy in Tibilisi tomorrow.

Joe Goodchild and Phil Jones were part of a Wales U20s group who visited Georgia's Paralympic centre. After playing various sports against Georgia's best paralympians, both admitted the visit has opened their eyes and put their defeat to Scotland in perspective.

There was a special reunion recently for Wales head coach Robin McBryde when he visited Parc Eirias to play Mark Jones' RGC side. He was re-united with Denley Isaac - the man who spotted him as a raw 19-year-old and put him on the path to international rugby.